Ever wanted to find out about particle physics but been put off by thick books with little imagery? Want to know why the Higgs boson is so important? Well now, The Particles app for the Apple iPad, Windows 8 and Microsoft Surface can enable you to learn about particles in a new and exciting way.

The Particles takes you on a journey through the world of particle physics. Discover the five families of subatomic particles, such as the leptons, quarks and bosons. This app allows you to browse a wealth of real ‘event’ images and videos, read popular ‘biographies’ of each of the particles and explore the A-Z of particle physics with its details and definitions of key concepts, laboratories and physicists.

Science Photo Library has developed this app, in partnership with leading physicist Professor Frank Close, to be a modern source of information on particle physics for everyone — from scientists and students to school children and members of the public who have an interest in science.

Professor Frank Close commented: ‘I have written a number of books on particle physics in my career and thought it was about time we brought the information into the twenty-first century by making it available on portable devices through an app. The Particles gives the most up to date information available about particle physics and is a great resource for people at all levels.”

Michael Marten, founder of Science Photo Library, said: “Combining our fantastic imagery with Frank’s knowledge of particle physics has allowed us to create this exciting app. The aim is to involve people from all walks of life with particle physics — there is something to interest everyone. It is exceptionally easy-to-navigate with explanations and descriptions at every level.”

The Particles for the Apple iPad, Windows 8 and Microsoft Surface is available from 14th March for £4.99 / US$7.99 / €5.99.